Deciding on a Major Career Exploration

Choosing a major can be one of the toughest aspects of
college. There seem to be so many choices!But it is so important that you do take the time to explore
yourself and careers because you are investing time and money into your degree
so you want to choose wisely.If
you are still unsure after reviewing the information, we encourage you to become a part of our Explorer Program or Contact a Career
Counselor within CPDI.

Five Steps to
Choosing Your College Major

1. Assess or evaluate your interests.

What are your passions?What are you deeply interested in?What types of things excite you? What kind of work appeals
to you? Think about it and write this information down.

2. Take an honest look at your unique strengths and
abilities.

What are you good at?What are the things that you're better than most people at?What were your best and most enjoyable
subjects in high school? What activities and clubs were especially enjoyable to
you? You were created with many different innate preferences and skills – these
are the ones that you should hone and refine, and so you should choose a major
that uses those skills.Think
about it and write this information down.

3. It's all about values.

Consider the things you value in work, such as growth,
fixing things, being around people, helping the needy, working under pressure,
security, counseling others, working in groups, attention to detail, making
things, and many other values.Considering what kinds of jobs can meet these values can be helpful as
you consider some career options.

4.Go explore
career possibilities.

This is a very important step because you have to understand
all the different opportunities that are available to you.Take some time and visit the online
resources below to help you explore the numerous career paths.

Ask yourself honestly: "Does the career I have in mind match
who I am?"Be realistic.Someone may wish to become an
architect, but if he or she has little skills in math (geometry) and drawing,
then perhaps the person should reconsider choosing that major. Sometimes there
are ways to bypass these obstacles, but be wise and then you can avoid wasting
your time and money on a wrong major.

I AM STILL CONFUSED…

If you are still confused, please schedule an appointment to
MEET WITH A CAREER COUNSELOR.Within CPDI we conduct career assessments that assess your interests,
values and skills.These
assessments will help you identify a career path and major that fits you.

Other Tips to Help You Choose Your Major

Be sure to:

·Talk to upperclassmen and other classmates.They've been there and done that.You can benefit from their advice —
what they've learned and the struggles they've gone through in their major.
Don't hesitate to consult them as a resource to gather more information about
various majors.

·Explore your college's course catalog.You might be surprised at the
assortment of majors your college has to offer.

·Talk to your academic adviser and other
professors.They will almost
always be more than happy to give you some helpful advice.They've been there and can tell you what
their field is all about.

·Your family and friends who know you well.They know you best.Be sure to filter out any unreasonable
or bad advice, but be sure to listen.They often have a lot of insights into who you are and what you are good
at.

·Visit CCNY Career and Professional Development
Institute. The Institute has career assessments that can help you identify a
career path.Please visit the
Contact a Career Counselor form to schedule an appointment.